3/30/16

Organize your GMC and Chevrolet Full Size Van with Equipment and Accessories from Adrian Steel.



If you use a GMC or Chevrolet commercial vehicle for work, you know how tough their vans, trucks, and utility vehicles are.  These vehicles make excellent choices for busy professionals.

Adrian Steel is proud to offer a full line of upfit equipment and accessories for GMC and Chevrolet vans and trucks.  We’ll even assist you in choosing the correct equipment and accessories for your vehicle.

Find out how at:  http://www.adriansteel.com/item/cargo-vans/gm_van/

3/28/16

GMNA Manufacturing Works Smarter with Multi-Site Plant Manager Meetings


Using strategically-located plants and various collaboration tools, GMNA manufacturing and labor relations leaders were able to connect with their plant managers and union counterparts for meetings this week.

3/26/16

Kelley Blue Book Names GMC ‘Most Refined Brand’


Win marks brand three-peat 
for the Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Award



DETROIT – GMC today was recognized as the Most Refined Brand in the 2016 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards. It is the third consecutive year the brand has received this award.

Brand Image Award winners are based on consumer automotive perception data from Kelley Blue Book Strategic Insights’ Brand Watch study. Brand Watch is an online brand and model perception tracking study tapping into more than 12,000 in-market new-vehicle shoppers annually on Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com. The comprehensive study provides insight on how shoppers identify important factors influencing their purchase decision and captures brand/model familiarity and loyalty among new-vehicle shoppers. 

Driven by its luxury-focused Denali sub-brand, GMC received high ratings for comfort, interior layout, technology, prestige and sophistication. In previous years, Kelley Blue Book has praised Denali vehicles for offering plush features while maintaining a more rugged persona than offered by most luxury automakers.

“Premium quality and exterior styling are the top two reasons customers choose GMC vehicles,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC. “Unprecedented refinement and attention to detail provide our customers with a truly Professional Grade experience.”

More than 850,000 GMC Denali vehicles have been sold since the introduction of the 1999 GMC Yukon Denali. The sub-brand accounted for 23 percent of GMC retail sales in 2015, outselling the entire product lines of several premium automakers such as Land Rover, Jaguar and Porsche.

For more information about the 2016 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards, visit http://www.kbb.com/new-cars/brand-image-awards/.
GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc

3/24/16

GM FUEL TANKS Fuel Tanks for your GM Truck


70 Gallon Refueling Tank and Tool Box Combination
Part No. 0800116230

Fits short bed and long bed pickups. Fits over the bed rails. Raise or lower toolbox section to fit your bed height. US DOT legal for gas, diesel, ethanol, methanol, kerosene and aviation fuel. Includes 12-volt refueling pump, 12 foot hose, nozzle, and fuel pump. 12-volt pump pumps 7 gallons per minute. Operates with dash-mounted power switch. Comes standard with diamond plate lid. Toolbox shell and fuel tank is made from 14-gauge aluminized steel. Fuel tank is baffled to reduce fuel slosh. Stainless stell locking paddle handles. Fuel fill access is located inside the locking storage compartment. Storage area ranges from 5 1/2 cubic feet to 8 1/2 cubic feet. Toolbox depth ranges from 9" deep to 13 1/2" deep. Over all dimensions: 72” L x 23” W x 23 1/2” to 27 1/2". Made in the USA

Find out more at:   http://www.transferflow.com/:  

3/22/16

Make more money and Save Time with VMAC VR70 UNDERHOOD air compressor


Looking for new ways to save time and make more money in tire service business? Find the secret industry leaders have known for years: the VMAC UNDERHOOD air compressor systems helps you get to more jobs every day and reduces your average job time by 10 minutes. Time is money and the VMAC VR70 UNDERHOOD air compressor system gets you more of both. 


3/20/16

GMC Sierra 3500HD



The Sierra 3500 HD is the ultimate luxury workhorse, with its high-line interior and lofty towing/hauling numbers—call it a Taj Mahauler. Its maximum payload is 7153 lb and its trailer-towing capacity is 23,200 lb, when properly equipped. There are three cab styles, two bed lengths, and three engines: a 360-hp 6.0-liter V-8 is standard; options include a 301-hp 6.0-liter gas/CNG V-8 and our choice, the 397-hp 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel with 765 lb-ft and the Allison transmission.

Source: http://www.caranddriver.com/gmc/sierra-3500hd

Find out more at: http://buyersguide.caranddriver.com/gmc/sierra-3500hd/specs#features

3/18/16

Sierra HD Trim Walkthrough: Explanation of Sierra Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck Trim Levels - GMC



Explore the different trim levels available on the GMC Sierra Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck. Sierra HD's SLE, SLT, All-Terrain, and Denali trim levels personify GMC's professional grade attitude and dedication to precision.

3/16/16

NTEA reports on Work Truck Show 2016



Truck premieres, exclusive ride-and-drive opportunities, and unmatched training drew a record-setting 11,905 industry professionals to The Work Truck Show 2016, North America’s largest work truck event.

This breaks the event’s previous attendance record of 11,005, set in 2015. Attendees came from all 50 states, eight Canadian provinces and 19 countries.

The Work Truck Show 2016 was held March 1 to 4 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. It is produced annually by NTEA, The Association for the Work Truck Industry.

“It was a great week,” says Steve Carey, NTEA executive director. “The Work Truck Show is the one event where everyone involved with vocational vehicles in North America comes together to share ideas, see what’s new and find opportunities for their business operations.”

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc. used the Show to unveil its 2018 FTR Class 6 medium-duty truck to a huge crowd. Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc. debuted its prototype Fuso E-Cell all-electric truck and gave attendees the first opportunity to drive it in North America as part of The Work Truck Show Ride-and-Drive March 2 to 3.

Other truck OEMs making news at the Show included Ford Commercial Vehicles, International Truck, Kenworth Truck Company, Mack Trucks and Ram Commercial.

There were significant powertrain announcements made as well. Cummins Inc. introduced its 2017 B6.7 and L9 medium-duty engines, and Daimler Trucks North America gave the public its first glimpse of the new Detroit DD5 medium-duty engine.

During his keynote address at the Green Truck Summit general sessions on March 1, Reuben Sarkar, deputy assistant secretary for transportation at the U.S. Department of Energy, announced SuperTruck II, an $80 million funding opportunity for research, development and demonstration of long-haul trailer truck technology. He also announced more than $12 million in selections for three new projects focused on plug-in electric powertrain technologies for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. In other “green” news, Work Truck Show exhibitors highlighted significant propane fleet adoptions and even converted a pickup truck to run on propane right on the Show floor.

The Work Truck Show 2016 was the largest event in NTEA history. Over the last five years, NTEA expanded the exhibit floor by more than 40 percent, but still had a sizable waiting list of potential exhibitors. In response to this demand, NTEA has maxed out all available room at the Indiana Convention Center for The Work Truck Show 2017 and exhibit space has already sold out.

The Work Truck Show 2017 runs March 14–17, 2017. Registration opens in October 2016 at worktruckshow.com.

Source: http://www.hardworkingtrucks.com/ntea-reports-on-work-truck-show-2016/

3/14/16

Knapheide Customer Story: APAC Wheeler



Just like we never settle when it comes to the products we create, our customers never settle when it comes to the work they do — like APAC Wheeler, a company that provides asphalt paving and maintenance services all across Central Texas. Check out their story!

3/12/16

GM’s Distribution and IT Centers Star in Energy Efficiency


 Company leads automakers in ENERGY STAR® 
certified distribution centers

DETROIT – Eleven General Motors facilities have earned ENERGY STAR® certification for superior energy efficiency from the U.S. Environme

ntal Protection Agency. These buildings, which include seven parts distribution centers, a global headquarters office and three IT innovation office centers, have optimized their buildings to leave a smaller carbon footprint.

To earn ENERGY STAR certification, buildings must perform better in energy efficiency than 75 percent of similar buildings nationwide and meet strict energy efficiency performance levels set by the EPA.

“It makes good business sense to pursue a greener product in every segment of the value chain,” said Al Hildreth, GM’s global energy manager. “This includes the areas that support our business and keep our company running optimally, like our efficient warehouses, IT centers and office buildings.”

GM leads the automotive industry in certified distribution centers. The following Customer Care and Aftersales facilities, which supply automotive parts to dealerships and customers for vehicle repair, achieved certification:
•    Customer Care and Aftersales World Headquarters, Grand Blanc, Michigan
•    Denver Parts Distribution Center, Colorado
•    Fontana Parts Distribution Center, California
•    Lansing National Parts Distribution Center, Michigan
•    Martinsburg Parts Distribution Center, West Virginia
•    Memphis ACDelco Parts Distribution Center, Tennessee
•    Rancho Cucamonga Parts Distribution Center, California
•    Willow Run Parts Distribution Center, Michigan

These facilities implemented a number of energy conservation projects. The Grand Blanc facility installed energy-efficient LED lighting, upgraded heating and cooling systems, and engaged employees in a “Bring Your Green to Work” event with local energy utilities to discuss energy-saving ideas for both the home and office. 

“This recognition demonstrates the collaborative work by our employees who are focused on saving energy and improving our efficiency,” said Tim Turvey, GM Customer Care and Aftersales global vice president.

Additionally, three new GM IT innovation office centers earned certification:
•    The Arizona IT Innovation Center in Chandler uses solar to power 9 percent of its monthly energy use
•    The Georgia IT Innovation Center in Roswell installed an advanced intelligent boiler control to optimize energy efficiency
•    The Austin IT Innovation Center in Texas sets workplace and conference room lighting to operate at 50 percent of maximum output

These three sites house software developers, project managers, database experts and other IT professionals supporting GM’s business worldwide. All buildings were designed and built following Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design strategies and practices, and rank an average of 43 percent below the median national average for energy use.

GM is committed to consistently making its global operations more energy efficient. It has earned three consecutive EPA ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence awards for energy management and leads all companies in the ENERGY STAR® Challenge for Industry. GM was one of the first 13 companies to sign the White House American Business Act on Climate Pledge and is a Ceres BICEP Climate Declaration signatory since 2013.

For more information on GM’s environmental commitment, visit its sustainability report and environmental blog.

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

3/10/16

GMC Sierra HD – Automatic Locking Rear Differential



From boat ramps to construction sites and everything in between, heavy duty jobs often occur in areas with limited traction. That’s where the Sierra HD’s available Eaton automatic locking rear differential comes into play. If one tire loses traction and spins, the difference in speed is detected and the differential locks, providing more torque to the tire with the most grip. Along with advanced traction controls and available four wheel drive, it’s one of many ways the Sierra HD is intelligently engineered to improve traction.

For more information about the GMC Sierra HD, visit: http://www.gmc.com/sierra-2500-denali...

3/08/16

2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Adds Jolt of Electricity



GMC announced today that it will add a mild hybrid system to the Sierra 1500 half-ton pickup, which it said will improve both fuel economy and performance.

The eAssist system will be available only on 2016 Sierra 1500 SLT crew-cab two-wheel-drive models with the SLT Premium Plus Package. GMC said it will make only 200 eAssist models this year (all to be released in California) and then adjust the mix across the country if the system proves to be popular. It pairs with GM's 5.3-liter V-8 engine, which is standard on this trim level. Final pricing for the new powertrain system has not been announced at this time, but new eAssist pickups should be getting to California dealerships by May.

As a mild hybrid system, eAssist is very different from the full hybrid powertrains once found in the Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (discontinued after the 2013 model year). Those pickups could cruise on electric power at speeds of up to 30 mph, but that's not the case with eAssist. Rather, it serves to augment the capability of the V-8 off the line and at speed, providing an extra 44 pounds-feet of torque and 13 horsepower in situations where an extra boost of power is needed for a short amount of time. Additionally, the use of the electric mode enables the engine to stay in four-cylinder mode longer and more often in certain situations.

The electric motor also doubles as a generator, capturing energy during braking to recharge the battery. The battery is a 24-cell 0.45 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack situated underneath the middle of the front seat and weighs roughly 100 pounds.

GMC also has layered other fuel-saving technologies into the eAssist system, including stop-start capability and aerodynamic improvements such as a soft tonneau cover and active grille shutters, which close at speeds more than 30 mph.

The EPA estimates that adding the eAssist system will bring fuel economy to 18/24/20 mpg city/highway/combined, an improvement of 2 mpg for each category. Adding the eAssist system doesn't affect the Sierra 1500's capability; its max trailering rating remains at 9,400 pounds, and we assume payload capacity is down slightly given the extra weight.


Manufacturer image

 Source: http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2016/02/2016-gmc-sierra-1500-adds-jolt-of-electricity.html

3/06/16

GMC Introduces 2016 Sierra with eAssist

Technologically advanced premium truck 
offers greater efficiency, capability


DETROIT – Building on GMC Sierra’s advanced powertrain technologies, new eAssist technology enhances its position as one of the industry’s most innovative and capable trucks, helping it achieve up to 13 percent greater city fuel economy – and solidifying its segment-best ranking for V8 efficiency.

Starting this spring, the new eAssist system is exclusively available on the already well-equipped 2016 Sierra 1500 SLT crew cab 2WD model with the SLT Premium Plus package. For 2016, we will monitor the market closely, producing 200 Sierra eAssist models for California, and adjust as appropriate moving forward.

“Innovative technology that enhances capability is at the core of everything we do at GMC and the new Sierra with eAssist takes it to a higher level,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC Sales and Marketing. “Its advantages are delivered in a compromise-free package that enables real-world fuel savings with premium content that provides a very high level of refinement, comfort and connectivity.”

Compared to a comparable Sierra 1500 with a 5.3L/eight-speed powertrain, the Sierra with eAssist offers an EPA-estimated 18 mpg city – a 2-mpg improvement – while highway fuel economy improves 2 mpg to 24 mpg. The combined estimate improves 2 mpg to 20 mpg. The 5.3L eAssist V8 has a GM estimated 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque.

The new eAssist powertrain is available in the Sierra SLT crew cab with the up-level Premium Plus package, a package that is also available with the standard 5.3L non- eAssist engine and the 6.2L V8 engine.  The SLT Premium Plus package includes an extensive list of premium technologies and features:
•    High-performance LED headlamps, LED taillamps and thin-profile LED foglamps
•    Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (subject to their terms, privacy statements and data plan rates, as well as a compatible smartphone)
•    IntelliLink with navigation and 8-inch-diagonal color touch screen
•    Bose premium audio system
•    Wireless phone charging
•    Heated and vented leather-appointed seats
•    Heated steering wheel
•    Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert
•    IntelliBeam headlamps
•    Front and Rear Park Assist
•    Rear Vision camera.

The max trailering rating is 9,400 lbs. and the Eaton locking rear differential is standard, for sure-footed traction on slippery surfaces.

eAssist details
The Sierra’s eAssist powertrain is a light electrification system leveraging General Motors’ latest electrification technologies. It builds on the advanced technologies of the 5.3L V8 engine, including direct injection, variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation), complementing them with a compact lithium-ion battery pack to enhance efficiency through:

•    Stop/Start capability: Additional fuel savings are achieved by turning off the engine when stopped at a stop light or heavy traffic and restarting the engine when the driver lifts his or her foot from the brake pedal
•    Electric power boost: The on-board electric motor provides a power boost during acceleration and passing, while enabling the engine to operate in four-cylinder mode for longer periods, for additional fuel savings
•    Regenerative braking: By using the on-board electric motor as a generator, the energy recovered while braking is converted to electricity to recharge the onboard battery system
•    Aero enhancements: A 6 percent improvement in aerodynamics contributes to fuel economy due to a standard soft tonneau cover and automatic grille shutters, which can close at speeds over 30 mph in order to further reduce drag and fuel consumption.

The eAssist system includes a 24-cell, air-cooled 0.45 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, located under the center console (or front bench seat). It adds only about 100 pounds to the vehicle’s curb weight.

A compact induction motor, located on the accessory drive, provides 15 kW of peak regenerative capability, thanks to advanced software controls based on the Chevrolet Volt. It performs like an electric torque booster, providing up to 44 lb-ft (60 Nm) and up to 13 hp (9.7 kW) of additional boost in high load situations. There’s also a liquid-cooled power inverter module located under the hood.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

3/04/16

GMC Expands Android Auto Availability

Software upgrade available for consumers of compatible models



DETROIT – A software upgrade enabling Android AutoTM phone compatibility for 2016 GMC Canyon, Sierra and Yukon models equipped with the 8-inch IntelliLink system will now be offered in the U.S. The upgrade will be performed by GMC dealers at no cost to consumers. 

Android Auto joins Apple CarPlay, which was unveiled last year, offering phone compatibility via the available IntelliLink screen.

“Providing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility ushers in a new era of staying connected in a convenient manner,” said Duncan Aldred, U.S. vice president, Buick and GMC.

GMC’s availability of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will continue to expand this year with the arrival of the all-new 2017 GMC Acadia when it arrives in showrooms this spring.

Each system builds off select features smartphone users rely on most. Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at Android.com/auto.

Many system features can be controlled by voice commands through a button on the steering wheel, helping drivers keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Connectivity has become a central component of GMC’s interior technology features. Just last year, many GMC vehicles also began offering available OnStar 4G LTE connectivity and a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. The connection allows occupants to connect up to seven personal devices.

This new compatibility stands to make connectivity even stronger. Specific market availability for Android Auto can be found here. Current Apple CarPlay markets can be found here.

Using either application is simple in a compatible 2016 GMC Canyon, Sierra or Yukon. A “Projection” icon on the IntelliLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected, and then changes to indicate either CarPlay or Android Auto (whichever is applicable) when a compatible phone is connected via USB. Android Auto requires a phone running the Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or above, while Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or later.

Compatible third-party apps need to be downloaded to a phone before using. Vehicle user interfaces are products of Apple (for CarPlay) and Google (for Android Auto) and their user terms and privacy statements apply. Each requires a compatible smartphone and data rates apply.

GMC has manufactured trucks since 1902, with innovation and engineering excellence built into all GMC vehicles. The brand is evolving to offer more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers, including the Terrain small SUV and Acadia crossover. GMC’s highest-volume vehicle, the Sierra pickup, is the most powerful light-duty pickup on the market, and the first full-size pickup to receive the highest-possible five-star Overall Vehicle Score for safety since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration changed its New Car Assessment Program for the 2011 model year. Details on all GMC models are available at http://www.gmc.com/, on Twitter at @thisisgmc or at http://www.facebook.com/gmc.

3/02/16

GM Delivers Most Segment Awards in Dependability Study Eight models ranked most dependable in segment

  • ·    Four Chevrolet segment leaders most of any brand
  • ·    Buick Verano ranked most dependable vehicle in the industry
  • ·    11 GM models place in Top 3 of their segments
DETROIT – For the second consecutive year, General Motors’ brands deliver the most segment awards in the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study.

“GM’s customer-centric focus on quality and dependability is yielding results for our customers,” said Jeff Wrona, General Motors executive director, Global Quality. “These awards reflect our ongoing commitment to delivering the industry’s best ownership experience.”

The 2016 study tracks 2013 model year vehicles in their third year of ownership.
All GM brands ranked above industry average with Buick, GMC and Chevrolet ranking third, fifth and sixth respectively.

Chevrolet delivered the most segment leaders of any industry brand, led by Malibu as the segment leader for the second year in a row in the highly competitive Midsize Car segment. Camaro ranks highest in the Midsize Sporty Car segment for the fourth consecutive year and Silverado HD ranks first in the Large Heavy Duty Pickup Segment for the second year.  Equinox ranks first in the popular Compact SUV segment.

Buick Verano becomes the industry’s most dependable vehicle and segment award recipient in Compact Car.  Encore leads the Small SUV segment, adding to the popular SUV’s 2013 JD Power Initial Quality Study and Automotive Performance Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study segment awards. LaCrosse also receives an award for the second year in the Large Car segment. 

The GMC Yukon ranked first in the Large SUV segment for the third year in a row.

Model Highlights by Brand

Chevrolet
  • ·    Malibu – Segment Award, Midsize Car (2nd Year in a Row)
  • ·    Camaro – Segment Award, Midsize Sporty Car (4th Year in a Row)
  • ·    Equinox – Segment Award, Compact SUV
  • ·    Silverado HD – Segment Award, Large Heavy Duty Pickup (2nd Year in Row)
  • ·    Tahoe – Ranks Second, Large SUV
  • ·    Silverado – Ranks Third, Large Light Duty Pickup
Buick
  • ·    Verano – Segment Award, Compact Car
  • ·    Encore – Segment Award, Small SUV
  • ·    LaCrosse – Segment Award, Large Car (2nd Year in a Row)
GMC
  • ·    Yukon – Segment Award, Large SUV (3rd Year in a Row)
  • ·    Sierra – Ranks Second, Large Light Duty Pickup
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.